5 Ways to Give Back to our Troops During the Holiday Season
5 Ways to Give Back to our Troops During the Holiday Season
Tis’ the season of cold, snow, love, laughter, family, and most of all, giving. We give to our family, friends, and loved ones to show appreciation for all they have done during the year. So it’s only right that we give back to our brave men and women who bravely sacrifice their lives for us every day.
The holidays are an excellent time to give back by donating to the causes you care about most. Sure, the gift-giving, festive lights, and family time are fun, but why not add a new tradition to the holiday season and give a little back to the community? Below you will find 5 great ways to give back to our troops during the holiday season.
Why is giving back during the holidays important?
There is no other holiday season that gives a longing to be home and be with family and friends more than the end-of-the-year celebrations. Many servicemen and women who are stationed far away from home can only dream about going home during the holidays. They experience a longing to be with family and friends; they miss the comforts of home and all of the holiday celebrations.
Our brave servicemen and women selflessly leave their families even during holidays to defend and protect our country. Which makes the holidays the perfect time to give back and tell our military how much they are really appreciated by doing something kind for them during this holiday season.
You can choose to donate, send a card, or make a longer-term commitment to a service member.
For nonprofits, like the United Services Organization (USO), even a $5 or $10 donation can make a big difference. There are a ton of options to choose from, which makes donating possible for everyone. There are benefits for you, too, as many donations are tax-deductible, and you’ll get a mood boost from doing something good.
From now until the end of the year, consider doing small holiday acts of kindness to cheer up others. It will warm your heart and remind you that gifts aren’t always found under the tree.
How does the USO spread cheer during the hoidays?
Over the holidays, the USO brings traditions of the season to the hundreds of thousands of service members and their families worldwide.
USO Holiday programming provides care, comfort, and connection through many services and entertainment offered at its 250 centers worldwide and its many mobile USOs.
From holiday care packages, drive-thru holiday meals calls home, and bedtime stories read through the Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program, the USO is bringing a little bit of home, comfort, and care to those serving our country.
Photo Credit: USO
USO Holiday Programs for our Military
USO's 12 Days of Gratitude
Giving Tuesday and the USO’s 12 Days of Gratitude is where the USO spotlights the many ways Americans can support the military and their families.
USO Holidays Military Virtual Programming (MVP) Series
USO Holidays Military Virtual Programming (MVP) Series (Dec. 2 – Dec. 11) – Servicemembers and military families are invited to join livestream events with WWE superstar Mike “The Miz” and his wife, Maryse Mizanin; television personality and fashion designer Kristin Cavallari; actress Angela Kinsey; musician Jessie James Decker; and “A Christmas Story” star Peter Billingsley. Register at USO.org/MVP.
The USO MVP Holiday Special
The USO MVP Holiday Special – The special, which broadcasts on the USO’s Facebook and YouTube platforms later in the month, features virtual visits with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski; sports analyst Terry Bradshaw; and other pro-athletes engaging with service members around the world. Tony Award-winning star of stage and film Idina Menzel headlines the virtual special with a performance featuring holiday and iconic Broadway tunes. Featured holiday set decor, provided by Balsam Hill, renowned for its lifelike Christmas Trees inspired by nature, has been gifted to the USO for distribution to active-duty military and families. Visit USO.org/MVP to learn more.
USO Holidays Care Packages
USO Holidays Care Packages – This year, the organization will distribute 40,000 USO Holidays care packages to service members filled with a snack pack, toiletries, a USO-branded “Yowie,” and a Jeep-branded beanie. Throughout the year, the USO sends care packages to service members around the world, thanks in part to FedEx, which provides shipping support. Recently, the USO delivered its 3 millionth care package since 2003 to a service member on duty in the Horn of Africa.
Connecting with Crown Media Family Networks
Connecting with Crown Media Family Networks (Dec. 1 – Dec. 11) – Over the holidays, Hallmark Channel sister network Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will air the new original holiday film “USS Christmas,” a military-themed romance with the USO integrated into the storyline. Additional collaborations include a segment with the USO on Hallmark Channel’s daily lifestyle program, “Home & Family” on Dec. 1, as well as a special appearance by Hallmark Channel on the USO’s Coffee Connection Live on Dec. 11.
NFL in Guam
NFL in Guam – The NFL and the USO continue their partnership this holiday season with the opening of new USO centers in remote locations, including the new USO Naval Base Guam center opening in early December.
How Can Give Back to our Troops During the Holiday Season
1. USO Wishbook
Donate to USO Wishbook and get a symbolic gift to share with friends and loved ones that help America’s service members and their families.
2. Facebook Fundraiser
Create a Facebook Fundraiser for the USO. This a great way to give back to our troops this holiday season.
3. AmazonSmile
Select the USO as your charity of choice with AmazonSmile for a simple way to support the USO every time you shop. AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases at no cost to you.
4. Lyft
A great way to give back to our troops this holiday season is to support the USO’s mission by donating through Lyft. When you opt in to donate on the Lyft app, select the USO as your chosen charity, and your payment will automatically round up to the nearest dollar, donating the difference to the USO.
5. Sign the Card
Sign the Card and Let our heroes know you’re thinking of them this holiday season and keep their spirits high by sending your own warm, heartfelt wishes. One message from you will mean so much. Tell a proud service member that you stand by them!
However, you decide to give back to our troops this holiday season, do something that will create memories, and leave a lasting impact on our military community. Together, we can build a strong community that will ultimately lead to an even stronger military. Your contributions to our military community, no matter how big or small, make a difference. Enjoy the holiday season, and let’s help our military do the same.
Join the conversation online by following the USO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and using the hashtag #USOHolidays.
